Toronto cave Group Explore Flowerpot Cave in West Virginia

I took this picture at least a decade ago. These are several members of the TCG who are preparing a cable ladder for the descent down the shaft into flowerpot cave.

We spent several hours underground and two things really stand out in my mind, firstly, Andrew (young guy second from the left) had his carbide leak in his equipment and as we were crawling down a tube about 6 hours into the trip the carbide gas went off after touching the flame of his headlamp. There was a loud bang and we all learned the lesson of not letting water get at you carbide.

The other thing that really stood out about the trip was when I got stuck in a narrow squeeze and almost passed out. (Wrote an article about it in the Toronto Caver – “Fat Guy gets Stuck in Flowerpot”) I was wedged so tight that as I pushed forward my helmet just twisted and almost wrenched my head off from my shoulders. Fortunately John Kozak was behind me and he pushed along with Andrew and I only just managed to squeeze free as I was blacking out.

When we left the cave it was already dark and the wind was whipping across the field above – we were soaked to the bone. I remember all of us huddling together as we waited for the last cavers to make it up the ladder.

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Following the release some time ago of my book "Rockwatching; Adventures above and below Ontario", I am pleased to announce the release of my new book "Tamarindo; Crooked Times in Costa Rica". It is a story of opportunity. Edgehill Press is the publisher. (www.edgehillpress.com)